Myth #1 : Introverts don’t like to talk.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. We hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Myth #2 : Introverts are shy.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. We don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.

Myth #3 : Introverts are rude.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. We want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.

Myth #4 : Introverts don’t like people.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. We can count our close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned our respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.

Myth #5 : Introverts don’t like to go out in public.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. We also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. We take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” We’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.

Myth #6 : Introverts always want to be alone.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with our own thoughts. We think a lot. We daydream. We like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But we can also get incredibly lonely if we don’t have anyone to share our discoveries with. we crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.

Myth #7 : Introverts are weird.
Introverts are often individualists. We don’t follow the crowd. We prefer to be valued for our novel ways of living. We think for ourselves and because of that, we often challenge the norm. We don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.

Myth #8 : Introverts are aloof nerds.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that we are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around us, it’s just that our inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to us.

Myth #9 : Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, we shut down. Our brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.

Myth #10 : Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.